Sony's Obese 2009 Camcorder Lineup

Fact: Writing up Sony's camcorder line at CES is the worst part of my year, every year. Luckily, Sony provided this handy chart of their 18 camcorders so you could decipher it all.

My refusal to break up Sony's camcorder lineup into tiny, digestible bits is part laziness and part conscientious objection. I mean, there are 18 freaking models of camcorders here. And while I can appreciate the $US1500 Sony HDR-XR520V featuring 1080p capture and 240GB of built-in storage (holding as many 12MP stills as you can shoot), how could anyone walking in to their neighbourhood Best Buy possibly sort through these products on the shelf? Just give us four great camcorders, Sony. There's no need for nearly twenty slightly differentiated ones.

*Captures high-definition MPEG-4 video and 5-megapixel photos for easy transfer to the computer *Vertical 4-ounce body slips easily into a pocket or purse so it can be taken anywhere *Equipped with PMB Portable software for quick content upload to popular video and photo sharing websites *Rotating swivel lens instantly powers device and makes it easy to self-record * Expandable storage capacity via Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media *Available in three fashionable colours including eggplant, orange and silver

Camcorder Accessories

Sony ECM-HW2 Bluetooth Microphone

Available in February for about $230

* Record audio up to 300 feet away from the camcorder * Microphone unit and receiver unit are both equipped with a headphone jack for two-way communication between subject and camcorder operator * Ability to record both subject and camcorder operator voices or subject voice only * Compatible with all Handycam® camcorders with Active Interface Shoe

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